What computer brand is your favorite (for home computers)?

1. 81

   epbooksposted 10 years ago

   What computer brand is your favorite (for home computers)?
   
   For the price range of under $1000, what computer brand (w/ MS Windows) is your favorite?  Any particular reason why?

   replyreport
2. 61

   lawrencebeach2010posted 10 years ago

   Honestly I have worked for most top brand computer companies such as dell, HP, Samsung, IBM and so on and I have reviewed all of there policies and there manufacturing specs. People just dont know what they are buying. Honestly if you want a computer go out and get the parts and build one yourself. 9 times out of 10 when you buy from one of the companies listed you are buying junk. My advise is, know what you are buying, knowing what you are using, learn about your hardware and get familiar with everything to do with your machine,.

   replyreport
   1. 81

      epbooksposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Good advice for those who can put one together.  As far as cost goes, if you compare to a store-bought computer with the same specs, is it more or less expensive to manufacture yourself?

      replyreport
   2. 61

      lawrencebeach2010posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      If you go to the right places and get your computer parts/equipment then no it would be cheaper.  But if you are looking for some type of gaming computer you have to think that even if you use more money at least you have that guarantee of what you

      replyreport
   3. 88

      JayeWisdomposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      When I bought the DELL desktop I'm still using ten years later, I selected the components and Dell put together a computer (CPU, wide-screen flat monitor, peripherals) that pleased me from the beginning. An IT pro helped me with component selection.

      replyreport
3. 61

   Superkevposted 10 years ago

   Friends don't let friends buy pre-built computers
   
   What Lawrence says is spot on. I use Linux for getting serious work done and Windows only for games, but I have always built my own pc's and find that it's cheaper and you will get better value for your dollar than from someplace like Dell or HP.
   
   I want to control what goes on my computer and not have to deal with a bunch of nagware for apps I don't want and don't need and are almost impossible to remove. They also take up resources by running in the background just ready to pop up at the most annoying times.

   replyreport
   1. 81

      epbooksposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Haha! I like your opening line.  Good information to know.  Thank you for clarifying that it is cheaper as well.  I think that is a major component for many people.

      replyreport
   2. 88

      JayeWisdomposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      When one is not a "techie" (which I'm definitely not), it helps to have a friend who IS either a self-taught techie or an IT pro to help selecting computer components. I was lucky enough to have the latter.

      replyreport
4. 72

   Phillip Rearickposted 10 years ago

   I agree with what has already been said. However, if you do not want to build your own computer, or do not know how, I would recommend HP, Dell, or Asus. They seem to make the most reliable computer. They also seem to put the best parts in the computer. As far as warranties go, most manufacturers are about the same. The support from all manufacturers, though, suck! Never call them if you have a problem. Also, if you are going to buy a pre-built computer, from any manufacturer, wipe it and do a clean install of your favorite operating system. Even if it is the same one, it is worth getting rid of all the crap that is preloaded onto them. Of course that takes time, and you need to go through the trouble of installing drivers but it is worth it.
   
   That said, it is still best to build your own computer. If you do not know how, find someone who does. It will cost more if someone builds one for you. From my experience, when I build my own computers, it ends up about the same, or a little cheaper than a prebuilt with the same specs. You would save money for labor, but that money could easily go to getting better parts. I always recommend building your own computer. It is a bigger hassle but has so many advantages!

   replyreport
   1. 61

      lawrencebeach2010posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Dell's Restore/Recovery systems seem to fail quite a bit so if you do get a dell remember to make your own factory image cd , HP I would agree but after 3 - 6 months they charge for customer service .

      replyreport
   2. 81

      epbooksposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Phillip - that is great advice.  I've mostly had HPs and all were fairly decent (except for my last one).  Good advice about reloading the operating system on there as well.  Thank you!

      replyreport
5. 0

   sheilamyersposted 10 years ago

   I'm not a big computer person so I get the basics. I've had three computers and they've all been HP Pavilions. I'm with my computers like I am with my cars, I stick with the first brand I buy as long as I have no problems with it. If my first HP computer would've been a dud, I'd never buy one again. When it comes to software loaded on it, I look for what they usually call the media package - loaded with writing and graphics programs.
   
   Unlike the people who rely on computers for their jobs, I use mine for four main purposes - writing my books, social networks, small time research, and playing PC games (love those CSI games). I don't need anything fancy. Go ahead and laugh, but I had Windows98 until long after XP came out. I didn't hop on the Vista bandwagon and upgraded to Windows8 two years after it was new. My operating system gets upgraded when I buy a new computer and that new os is already installed. Why bother if you don't need all the bells and whistles.
   
   I'm willing to bet my next computer will be an HP Pavilion unless they stop making them.

   replyreport
   1. 81

      epbooksposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I won't laugh- most of mine have been pavilions too!  I didn't like Vista, but Iiked 7...an I actually didn't mind XP.  I haven't upgraded to 8 yet, mainly because the screen annoys me and I'm not used to it yet. 

      replyreport
   2. 61

      Superkevposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Don't feel bad, I just _this week_ switched from XP to Windows 7 Being a Linux user I had no compelling need to switch. But I could not refuse a free copy of Win 7 and made the switch, it was time.

      replyreport
6. 88

   JayeWisdomposted 10 years ago

   I personally prefer Dell computer products. I've had a series of Dell computers that performed beautifully. I'm currently awaiting the delivery of a refurbished Dell laptop  (my third--I gave the other two, still in excellent operating condition, to grandchildren).
   
   My daughter offered me a NEW HP computer, and I dislike HP products so strenuously that I thanked her but turned down the computer. That action--to refuse the offer of a free HP computer--should speak volumes about what I think of HP products.The HP hardware I've owned in the past performed terribly, and the meaning of the terms "customer service" and "technical support" are apparently unknown by HP!  Trying to use either an HP computer or printer caused me intense stress. Thanks very much, but no thanks to HP!
   
   I did give a new Acer as a graduation gift, but learned from the recipient that two years later she was having major problems with it, so I would be hesitant to buy another one.
   
   In fact, I think you can "brand" me a satisfied DELL user.
   
   Jaye

   replyreport
   1. 81

      epbooksposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      We've had a few Acers too.  One was great, but after two years, completely died.  I've never owned a Dell but we've used them at work before.  Thanks for your answer.  Good to consider these options.

      replyreport
7. 71

   toptendealsposted 10 years ago

   Dell and Asus have some decent prebuilt computers.
   
   I would stay away from e-machines and compaq if they are still in business.

   replyreport
   1. 81

      epbooksposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I think I had compaq as my first computer and it was awful! (That was a long time ago though).

      replyreport
8. 61

   djdaniel150posted 10 years ago

   My answer, none of them! They're all crap. I know this because I worked in tech support and repaired and built them for years. Laptops are a better bet than desktops. All major brands of desktops are filled with cheap parts. The number one cause of PC failure is due to heat caused by the oxidation of circuits on internal parts. What causes this heat issue? Insufficient air flow and cooling systems, as well as poor case design. more and stronger airflow mean a long lasting computer.
   
   75% of all desktop PC's fail because the manufacturer wanted to save an extra $3.00 on parts, no joke either. Of all the PC's I've built over the years, not one has ever failed.

   replyreport
   1. 81

      epbooksposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      That's an awesome track record that none have failed. You don't hear that often with store-bought pc's.  Sad it all comes down to a $3.00 part too!

      replyreport
   2. 61

      djdaniel150posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I know. Millions of failed PC's, all because companies refused to spend a few extra dollars.

      replyreport
9. 87

   Organised Kaosposted 10 years ago

   Without having read the other answers, I like my HP. have tried some other's but I seem to keep coming back to them.
   
   Reason: I just like them, and they look nice.

   replyreport
   1. 81

      epbooksposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I usually stick with HP. All of mine have been great except for the one I'm using right now!   Could be just the bad one in the batch.

      replyreport
10. 61

    Raitu Disongposted 10 years ago

    I have a computer which has parts from different brands.So I don't know how to give a particular brand name to my pc, I nicknamed it 21st century super assembled computer. It's amazing!
    
    I prefer sony. windows 8 is not for me. I am comfotable with windows 7.

    replyreport
    1. 81

       epbooksposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Sony is one I haven't tried at all yet, either at home or business.  I always wondered if they were reputable.  I haven't graduated to windows 8 yet.  So far, I'm not fond of it.

       replyreport
    2. 61

       Raitu Disongposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I have tried using windows, it's fine but I am still in love with windows 7. Windows 8 is convenient for tablets, or for computer with touchscreen features.
       I think maybe this time , you need to give sony a chance:) I am a happy user of Sony lol

       replyreport
11. 0

    excellasysposted 10 years ago

    Toshiba..   I'm had good luck with them.

    replyreport
    1. 81

       epbooksposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I've heard that as well.  Thank you for your answer!

       replyreport
12. 49

    anisha hamiltonposted 10 years ago

    I prefer a mac it stores more easily and keeps documents stored and you can easily find your documents

    replyreport
    1. 81

       epbooksposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Anisha- One day, maybe I will switch to a mac.  I know they never have any issues!  I've been on PC's for so long though- resistant to change!

       replyreport
    2. 61

       Superkevposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Just remember that OSX is a fork of BSD which is a fork of Unix, just like Linux is, and Linux is free just sayin' (I've been using Linux as my main OS for years)

       replyreport
    3. 0

       excellasysposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       SuperKev is correct in that under the covers OSX (mac's OS ) is really Unix (BSD) based. As a user unless you really try you will never get into the guts of Unix on a Mac.   Personally I'm switching all my PC's to Mac's .

       replyreport
    4. 61

       Superkevposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I do have a hub on the subject if you would like to take a look

       replyreport
13. 60

    divineadrianoposted 10 years ago

    Well most have recommended HP or Dell. For me, it's samsung, It has the best features and maybe the most affordable of all. It is also very durable and stylish. We had a samsung desktop and it last for over five years. Now I'm using an ultrabook. It is very stylish, thin, light and it is very responsive.

    replyreport
    1. 81

       epbooksposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I haven't looked into those either! Thanks for the advice.

       replyreport